Second Step

It started with a conversation. Drew’s past experiences such as being bullied meant he found it hard to build trusting relationships. When he first met Ezra through our Hope Project, he was struggling with his mental health, facing homelessness, and having suicidal thoughts. He’d been let down by services before and lost his faith that anyone could help. But from his first meeting with Ezra, Drew felt someone was finally listening. It took time to build trust, but with each conversation he began to open up more. This meant Ezra could support Drew through the stresses going on in his life, from coping with the challenges of being emergency housed to rebuilding his confidence. Now Drew is living independently, has many friends and hobbies, and runs his own businesses. Drew has decided to share his story to help break down the stigma around talking about suicidal feelings and the idea of 'man up'. Read Drew’s story on our website News Hub – https://lnkd.in/eR3Z5SuJ - The latest stats show that suicide rates in England and Wales are the highest since 1999, and three-quarters of people who take their own life are male. This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we want to change the narrative on suicide and raise awareness of the need for vital suicide prevention projects such as Hope. The strength of Drew’s bond with Ezra shows how valuable having just one person by your side during tough times can be. #StartTheConversation

“Truthfully, I’m happy to be alive and be here today” Drew came to the Hope Project when he was facing homelessness and struggling with his mental health, including having suicidal thoughts. Past trauma meant he found it hard to trust others. So, when he met Ezra for the first time at the job centre while being emergency housed, he didn’t feel safe opening up straight away. It took time, but with Ezra’s support, Drew felt able to start sharing what was going on for him – from his worries and fears to his hobbies and interests, Ezra listened, and they formed a strong bond. Working together they tackled some of the biggest issues Drew was struggling with such as his self-confidence, the challenges of living in emergency housing, and his worries about being bullied. Less than a year later, Drew lives independently, has many hobbies and friends, runs his own businesses, and looks forward to the future. This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, he’s sharing his story to help break the stigma that prevents men like himself from opening up about having suicidal thoughts. Read Drew’s story in full on our website News Hub (content warning: mentions of suicidal thoughts). - https://lnkd.in/eR3Z5SuJ #StartTheConversation #HopeAndCourage

There's growing evidence surrounding the benefits of nature-based interventions for mental health. Many studies show that ‘forest bathing’ can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving mood and enhancing feelings of hope. But very little work has been done to assess the effects of spending time in nature for people with more severe mental health problems. Forest Friday, established in 2017, offers people with significant mental health needs regular access to time outside in nature. It’s a partnership between the Bristol Community Rehabilitation Service and the Forest of Avon Trust. Dr Charlotte Sullivan, a Psychiatrist working with team, carried out an evaluation talking to both participants and staff to discover more about the group’s value and effectiveness. She shared her findings in the latest article on our News Hub: https://lnkd.in/ezRm9km2 #MentalHealth #CommunityRehabilitation #Nature

Could personalised financial support help reduce homelessness & rough sleeping? Our Step Together service in Somerset is taking part in a nationwide Test & Learn Project led by the Centre for Homelessness Impact to find out. Working alongside our local partners in Somerset, Rethink Mental Illness, YMCA Dulverton Group and Arc, we are one of 15 organisations taking part in the Personalised Budgets Project to evaluate the impact of providing financial support via a personalised budget in helping people exit homelessness. Mark Brown, Senior Operations Manager with Second Step, says: “We’re delighted to be involved in this work which will increase our understanding of this complex and often entrenched issue, and help us create lasting change both at a local and national level.” Interim findings are expected in Autumn 2025. Find out more and stay up to date on our website News Hub: https://lnkd.in/esXxhBpr #TestAndLearn

This September we’re running six FREE workshops for carers (18 years+) who provide support to adults living in North Somerset. The Wellbeing for Carers: Looking After Yourself course will support carers in understanding their own mental health needs and those of the person they care for. Over six weeks, you’ll explore topics such as coping skills and emotional resilience, as well as having a safe and confidential space to share your experiences and meet other carers. Where: 4 Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1NA. When: Session 1: Thursday 26 September, 10am-12.30pm. Session 2: Thursday 3 October, 10am-12.30pm. Session 3: Thursday 10 October, 10am-12.30pm. (Thursday 17 October: no session) Session 4: Thursday 24 October, 10am-12.30pm. Session 5: Thursday 31 October, 10am-12.30pm. Session 6: Thursday 7 November, 10am-12.30pm. Booking is essential! Find out more and sign up on our website: https://lnkd.in/ekKHcftZ North Somerset Council

Suicide can affect every one of us, and every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma and encouraging action we can help to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in Somerset. This is the third year of the Walk for a Life event for World Suicide Prevention Day, which sets off from Taunton Quaker Meeting House at 10.30am on Saturday 7 September. Feel free to arrive at the venue anytime from 10am, where there will be signs and pens to write the name of a loved one or reasons for walking. Find out getting involved on the official Walk For A Life website: https://lnkd.in/eQ7WV7HV #SuicidePrevention #StartTheConversation #TogetherWeCanMakeADifference

The violent unrest and riots by far-right racist extremists continues to affect cities across the country, including Bristol, leaving us feeling shocked and horrified. Second Step condemns this senseless behaviour outright. These outrageous events have left our clients and colleagues of Black, Caribbean, African and Asian descent feeling particularly vulnerable. For support about racism and discrimination, including what to do if you face or witness a hate crime, our partner Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) has resources: https://lnkd.in/gx5yUtuY Prioritise your safety and your mental health during this difficult time. Let us stand together in solidarity, promoting safety, respect and understanding.

There's still time to sign up to our free men's wellbeing workshops! Starting next Thursday 8 August, all men aged 18+ in North Somerset welcome. See our post below for more details. Or find out more and sign up on our website - https://lnkd.in/ebxf_jR9 Beyond Equality

When Bridgwater-based Dawn (pictured right) first met her Recovery and Wellbeing Worker Claudia (left), she was stricken with grief after the death of her mum. She was unable to leave her home and was experiencing panic attacks every time she heard a noise from outside. As they talked, Claudia discovered Dawn adored watching birds in her garden and was interested in attending a local nature and bird-watching group called Seeds of Hope. “It was a challenging journey, as it can be whenever change is involved,” said Claudia. “It was a pleasure to witness Dawn’s commitment to her recovery. Now Dawn has all the tools she needs to continue her journey independently.” Dawn added: “I was struggling with everything, day to day basics, going out… Just doing ordinary things…because of my anxiety and depression, because of the death of my mum. She was my life. I then got referred to Second Step. Claudia and me took steps by going out walking and getting me back in the open and helping me.” Read the full story on our News Hub: https://lnkd.in/ed6_7NP8 #MentalHealth #Somerset #Grief

On Friday we held the official opening of our new office in Pennywell Road with clients, staff, Board members, volunteers, partners and commissioners joining us to mark the occasion. We moved from Brunswick Square – our home for 30 years – in April and were excited to welcome everyone into our new space. One of our special guests and former client Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Goggin who we supported 20 years ago as a tenant at our Toll House Court project, made a short speech. He explained how Second Step was one of the organisations who helped him when he was homeless and had nowhere else to go. He said: “Although we – clients – can be a bit rubbish at the time, twenty years later we’ll want to find you to say thank you for all the help you gave, as I have done today. What you do is so important and helps us all to look to a brighter future.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJT452Cz #SucceedingTogether #MentalHealth #Bristol Photo by Mark Simmons. From left to right: Second Step Chief Executive Aileen Edwards, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Goggin, Kerry McCarthy - Labour MP for Bristol East, Chairman of the Board (Second Step) Kelvin Blake.